Discover Peru on a perfectly paced expedition that begins at lower altitudes and culminates with an exploration of Cusco once you’ve acclimated. Go with the top team in the region, each of our guides is local and veteran—they know these sites intimately, focusing on the history and far-reaching cultural influence to add to your understanding and appreciation. In addition, a National Geographic writer and historian will spend time with you in the Sacred Valley of the Inca to add extra layers of insight.
This itinerary is subject to change. Travel demands flexibility. We will strive to balance adaptability with remaining on schedule. Please trust that, when it is not possible to follow the plan laid out below, your program leaders will work to find substitutions that retain the quality of this Study Travel program. Various details may be added or changed due to information obtained while making reservations, or perhaps on site, especially because of the weather. BLD indicated included group meals.
Saturday, April 15 U.S. — Lima, Peru
Upon arrival this evening in Lima, check-in at Belmond Miraflores Park, where we spend two nights. Set on a green promenade overlooking the Pacific in fashionable Miraflores, this much-loved hotel is the perfect base to explore.
Sunday, April 16 Lima
Explore World Heritage-designated colonial Lima this morning, where we stroll the Plaza Mayor and delight in a private welcome lunch with a special musical presentation at Casa Aliaga, one of the oldest houses in Lima. Then visit the extraordinary Larco Museum, dedicated to pre-Colombia art. Return to our hotel with dinner on your own to sample local fare. (B,L)
Monday, April 17 Lima — Cusco — Sacred Valley
Board a short scenic flight to Cusco this morning, and continue to Moray—a visually stunning Inca site with dramatic agricultural terraces in the heart of the fabled and fertile Urubamba Valley. After lunch and an opportunity to experience a local market, check-in at Belmond Rio Sagrado, set in verdant gardens with views over the valley. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, April 18 Sacred Valley
Spend the day exploring the archaeological sites and culture of the Sacred Valley in the company of National Geographic expert Peter Frost, who has lived and worked in Peru for decades. He or a colleague joins us for a talk at our hotel and a visit to the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, set above a thriving Inca community. Lunch is at a working, family-owned hacienda, where we are treated to a show of Peruvian Paso horses, and National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, founder of El Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, demonstrates Inca weaving traditions. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, April 19 Sacred Valley — Machu Picchu
Marvel at the dramatic scenery and life along the river en route this morning by train to Machu Picchu, the Inca royal retreat famously introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. Check-in at the historic 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, adjacent to the World Heritage site, with the leisure to explore over two days in the company of our hand-picked tour director and local guides. Lunch and dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Thursday, April 20 Machu Picchu — Cusco
Awaken this morning at Machu Picchu, where options include an early hike to the Sun Gate, the ancient final checkpoint to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. After lunch, return by train and bus to Cusco—the center of the Inca universe and a burgeoning cultural capital. Check-in at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco for two nights. Occupying a monastery founded in 1592, our hotel—like much of colonial Cusco—is built atop Inca stones. (B,L,D)
Friday, April 21 Cusco
Explore the magnificently ornate 17th-century cathedral, sacred Inca Temple of the Sun, and other treasures of Cusco. Visit nearby Sacsayhuamán, where a series of imposing terrace walls, the most impressive yet, command views over the city. Relax, shop, or visit one of Cusco’s many churches and museums this afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight. (B,L)
Saturday, April 22 Cusco — Lima — U.S.
After breakfast and a final morning at leisure, say goodbye to the Land of the Inca and fly from Cusco back to Lima, connecting to your individually-booked flights home. (B, L)
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